School of Music

How to Apply for the WIU School of Music

Undergraduate Audition Process

An audition is required for any student wishing to become an undergraduate music major or minor, and for any non-major participating in ensembles who would like to be considered for a music scholarship award.

  1. New WIU students:
    Apply to the University. You do not have to apply before your audition, but you do need to be accepted by the university before you can accept scholarships or register for classes.
  2. All students:
    Apply for an Audition.

    • Be prepared to upload a résumé or CV and up to three (3) letters of recommendation when you complete the audition application. These optional documents help inform scholarship decisions.

      Audition Dates:

        • Saturday, December 10, 2022
        • Saturday, January 14, 2023
        • Saturday, February 4, 2023
        • Monday, February 20, 2023
        • Saturday, April 8, 2023

      Video auditions are welcome in lieu of a live audition. Information for video submissions is included in the School of Music Undergraduate and Graduate Application forms.

    • Review the audition guidelines to prepare for your audition.
    • Should the applicant be unable to attend one of the audition dates, a separate meeting will be scheduled by the recruitment coordinator.
    • Should the applicant opt to submit an online audition via video recording, this should be submitted at the time of application.
  3. The recruitment coordinator will contact students shortly after they apply with more details about their audition.
  4. Students will be notified of their audition results within two weeks of their auditions.
  5. Scholarship decisions are made after President's Day auditions (2/21) are completed. The scholarship award offer process typically begins in March. If students receive an offer, they must respond with their acceptance by the deadline stated in their award offer letter.
  6. New freshmen and transfer students living on campus should Apply for Housing. There is a Fine Arts Living and Learning Community option for incoming students.
  7. Register for classes.

Audition FAQs

How do I find an accompanist?

WIU provides a professional accompanist for all vocal students free of charge for their audition. Those professional accompanists also serve our current students at no cost during the school year.

Do I need to bring anything with me to my audition?

Students have the option to provide a music résumé and/or letters of recommendation at their audition, if they did not do so within their application. These optional documents help inform scholarship decisions.

What does the audition day schedule look like?

  • Students are required to complete a live audition in front of an audition committee consisting of faculty in their area. Typically, audition days also include optional Q&A sessions, faculty performances, and campus tours.
  • Students are assigned a time and room about one week prior to their audition day. Preferences can be noted on the audition application.
  • Students should check-in at COFAC Recital Hall before their audition, giving themselves ample time to warm-up in Sallee Hall. Escorts will be available to guide students to the correct buildings.
  • Dates which coincide with classes on campus will include open rehearsals and classrooms for parents and students to observe.
  • President's Day auditions coincide with a Discover Western (WIU open house). Students can plan to attend the open house and audition on the same day. Please note this on the audition application.

What should I wear?

Students should present themselves in a professional manner. Dress pants, collared shirts, skirts, and dresses are all popular choices.

What are the acceptance levels?

Students' auditions are assessed based on the major for which they applied. For example, performance majors are expected to audition at a higher level than a music minor.

Students are accepted at:

  • Performance Level
  • Music Education Level
  • Music Therapy/Music Business Level
  • Music Minor level

What if I can't attend the audition days?

There is an online option to submit your audition, or you may schedule an individual audition date. Select either "submit an online audition" or "request an alternate date" in the audition application. Those submitting online auditions should be prepared with unlisted YouTube links at the time of application submission.

I am unsure that my audition repertoire is appropriate. What should I do?

You can contact the instructor of your instrument for clarification or suggestions by locating them here. You may also reference the audition guidelines.

Can I audition on more than one instrument?

You should consider auditioning on a primary and secondary instrument only if you intend to take lessons and/or perform in ensembles on both instruments. Doing so may increase your scholarship eligibility, depending on the level of the audition and ensemble need.

Non-Majors

Any student at WIU, regardless of major, is eligible to perform in School of Music ensembles. Non-music major students may audition for scholarship consideration on one of the audition dates listed under the “Auditions” tab, or may simply audition for placement in ensembles at the beginning of each semester.

Students wishing to audition for scholarship consideration should complete the audition application available in the “Auditions” tab and select “non-major.” Students wishing to audition ensemble placement only should reference the “Ensemble Auditions” tab for more information.

Ensemble Auditions

All students participating in School of Music ensembles are required to audition for placement at the beginning of each semester. Placement auditions typically take place within the first couple of days of each new semester.

For more information regarding audition procedures, repertoire, etc., please visit the link for each ensemble’s webpage listed below.